Austria is a rural and mountainous country, therefore the trip in a rented car is almost a necessity, since access to some of the main tourist sites is only possible on foot or with a private car.
You should pay attention to the below tips when you rent a car in Austria:
◾ Highway Sticker
The Austrian highway system (Autobahnen) is excellent and offers a comfortable and efficient driving experience along with spectacular views. Driving on the highways requires paying a toll in advance.
For those booking a car rental in Austria with Ofran, the sticker for the highways within Austria (vignette) is included in the rental price, and will be affixed to the car's windshield.
Please note that there are certain routes that aren't included in the basic sticker provided by the rental company. Since the list of toll roads included in the sticker changes from time to time, it's your responsibility to find out through the supplier what routes are included and how to pay the tolls if there are any.
If you intend to enter Austria from another country - you can purchase the sticker at the border crossing or at gas stations and it must be affixed to the windshield according to the instructions. Driving without a sticker can lead to a high fine. A toll may also be charged when passing through the tunnels. Recently an app where you can pay the tolls directly was launched, you can read more details here-
https://www.asfinag.at/en/toll/vignette/digital-vignette/
◾ Parking
As for parking, in Austria it is not customary to mark the parking areas by painting the curb, marking the parking areas is done with signs only. In the city of Vienna, there is an obligation to pay a parking fee all over the city, so you must make sure you have a valid parking ticket/payment proof.
◾ Car lights
It is recommended to use lights while traveling in Austria, especially in the winter season. Please note, turning on lights is mandatory in cases of fog, snow or limited visibility.
◾ Seat belt
Wearing seat belts is mandatory in the front and back seats.
◾ Travelling outside of Austria with the rented car
Austria is an ideal departure point for trips to the neighboring countries. However, note that some vehicle groups (mainly luxury vehicles and automatic vehicles) are subject to restrictions when exiting to former Eastern European countries.
Most of the car rental suppliers allow departure to the popular countries and so you can rent a car in Austria and travel with it into Germany, Italy, France and even Slovenia. Be sure to mark the countries to which you wish to travel already when you start booking the car on our website (or telling our representative if you are making the booking via phone), so you will receive written confirmation from the supplier and will be covered in terms of insurance and road service.
Please note that in some countries in Europe, like Switzerland and Austria, a special sticker is required for driving on highways, which you can purchase in kiosks at the borders.
The responsibility of purchasing the sticker is the renter's alone, so make sure to stick it according to the local guided and make sure if a sticker is needed whenever you exit a country and enter another.
Driving in Austria during the winter season
In terms of local law, all vehicles in Austria must be adapted for winter driving between November 1st of each year and April 15th of the following year.
Vehicles must be equipped with winter tires, and snow chains must be mounted on the vehicle's tires if the driving conditions require it or if the signage instructs to do so (pay particular attention to this matter if you are planning to go on a skiing vacation), so it is important to pay attention to the signage in areas that require snow chains.
When the chains are assembled, travel will be at a slow speed only (up to 40 km/h). Please note that the snow chains usually must be ordered in advance.
Also, in case the weather conditions require it - make sure to drive slowly and avoid driving at night as much as possible.
◾ Ski rack
Some of the rental companies offer a ski roof for rent to connect to the rental car. The ski roof must be ordered in advance. The canopy is suitable for two pairs of skis only and is an additional cost to the rental company to be paid when picking up the car.
Please note that it is not possible to attach the canopy to all vehicle groups. It is recommended to find out in advance that it is indeed possible to add him to the invited category.
◾ Driving a diesel/electric vehicle during winter time
Please note, that in very low temperatures, diesel fuel may freeze, so it's important to prepare accordingly when you are in driving in especially cold conditions. It is recommended to park the vehicle in a covered parking lot and purchase anti-freeze liquid to prevent the freezing of the fuel. Also note that electric cars are also affected by the cold, and it is possible to experience a drop of up to 30% in the range of use of the battery.
Pay attention! At very low temperatures the fuel in the tank may freeze.
We recommend parking the vehicle in an underground or indoor parking lot and/or adding antifreeze to the fuel tank when refueling (which is a special substance that prevents freezing), the antifreeze can be purchased at gas stations if necessary.
For more tips regarding renting a car during wintertime click here
and for important tips regarding renting a car abroad click here
Booking a car in Austria with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Austria, exploring all the sites and attractions that interest you and the freedom to do so according to your schedule.
Also, you'll be able to choose from a wide range of car groups the most suitable car for your vacation in an easy and comfortable process and with great prices.
Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in Austria